Is it time to sell the Gold Wing?

I've thoroughly enjoyed my '95 Gold Wing that I've ridden for several years. However, I find myself wanting to get off the asphalt every now & then & explore the dirt & gravel backroads. If I end up selling my Wing to get an adventure bike, what would you recommend? Here's some additional info that might influence your advice:

1. Any bike I get must be powerful & comfortable enough for long-distance touring
2. Any off-roading that I do will be relatively tame. I'm over 50, so I won't be doing anything too aggressive...just occasional dirt & gravel roads
3. I'd consider non-Jap bikes, although I'm partial to them because of their utter dependability & low maintenance. I'd like to own a BMW if they were as dependable as Jap bikes, but that doesn't seem to be case based on most information that I've read on the net. No offense intended.
4. Although I'm not a mechanic, I can do minor mechanic/maintenance stuff (once changed a magneto on one of my Honda's)
5. I strongly prefer a drive shaft, but would begrudgingly consider a chain drive
6. My budget is limited. If I sell my Wing, I'll have about $6-7000 to work with. If I decide to keep my Wing, I'll have about $2500-$3500 & will be in the market for a budget adventure bike...maybe something like an early model (2004-06) Suzuki V-Strom DL650 (which seems to have great reviews) or something comparable.

For a dependable unpaved roads bike, look at the Yamaha SuperTenere XT1200Z, but given your budget, a used VStrom 650 or Vstrom 1000 would fit the bill. You would need to decide if the 650 has enough power for your needs. Either of the 2 Vstroms would be dependable and come up for sale frequently here in the flea market among other places.

I had a Wing and currently have an ST1100. In '05, I purchased an '02 BMW GS1150 Adv with 29k miles for just the same reason - I passed too may unexplored dirt roads - not any more! When I solo ride - the GS is the choice - comfort, power, capacity and go anywhere. When the wifey joins me - ST100 - I really don't enjoy the gravel/dirt stuff two up. I'm a Honda fan at heart and I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a BMW. The GS has been an incredible ride - the handling characteristics, range, power are impressive. Other than normal maintenance items - which I perform myself - the only issue I had was the final drive which I detected going before any major failure - had it rebuilt for $600. Currently just under 90k miles and still going strong. I have to admit , its been one helluva bike. Whatever you choose, you'll be surprised at how exploring back/gravel/dirt roads suddenly expands your road trip universe. Do it!

1. Any bike I get must be powerful & comfortable enough for long-distance touring

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Coming from a 'Wing, you'll have to define what "powerful" is to you.

Many people consider the DL650 to be powerful enough, and many of them see some really long days. However, I don't think you're going to find a decent one for $2,500. That's closer to KLR territory, and it doesn't sound like you want to go that direction.

Tell us how you ride...
2 up?
How big are you? Your passenger?
Sea level or Denver?
What's your cruising speed?
Straight freeways, or back roads?
Are you a "Montana to Florida in 24 hours" kind of rider?

I do some commuting, some canyon carving and some long distance rides. I'm getting ready to head out on a two week "back roads & dirt roads" camping trip. I hit the scales at about 180, and ride alone. With me and my camping gear, my DL650 will easily cruise at 85 all day at 6,500 RPM. However, I'm rarely on a road where you can actually go 85 for very long - I hate freeways. I don't mind a little wind in my face, so the lack of a giant wind screen is fine by me.

I love my 650, and got it gently used for about $3,500 in the off season.

And a chain really isn't a big deal. Even less of a "thing" if you buy an oiler.

I just traded my 99 Valkyrie off for an 03 Vstrom 1000 and am loving it. I also have a KLR 650 for more serious off road stuff. I ride solo and tip the scales at 300 and am 6'6" so I wanted the extra power of the 1000 over the 650.

If on a budget i`d go with a used Vee or Wee , as the Super ten is too new (but not too pricey, but add on`s are) but reading one of the super ten forums has me concerned about some engines knocking (and i thought only the Yami Roadstars were knockers, as i had 2 of them) Wish Suzuki would come out with a DL1200 with a little bigger fuel tank & a shaft drive & still use 87 octane , i`d be all over it.

I have a 91 Gold Wing that don't see much use now that I have a DR 650, But I won't be hooking the trailer to the 650 and loading the wife up for a weekend ride, The 1500 pulls like a freight train through the mountains.

As long as I can afford it I'll keep both bikes, if one has to go it would be the wing, then I could afford a decent seat for the DR